Agenda Volume 2 - Methodist Conference

47. Appointments of District Chairs
involving delicate and confidential
relationships, and she is adept and skilled
at connecting ministry, care, vision, strategy,
oversight and encouragement in creative
tension.
She has interests in a variety of projects
and causes expressing the social witness
of the Church, in particular including
homelessness and poverty issues.
Her capacity for clear but sensitive
leadership, strategic thought, team building
and working, pastoral care and the leading
of inspirational worship is recognised widely
both within and beyond the Connexion as
is her deep and reflective faith in God as a
disciple of Christ.
The Synod recommends to the Conference
that Sheryl Anderson be appointed to serve
as Chair of the Liverpool District from 1
September 2014.
The Revd Gillian M Newton
Following a career in banking Gill Newton
trained for ministry at Wesley College
Bristol between 1995–1997 and in 1999
graduated with a BA Degree in Ministry and
Theology.
Gill was a probationer in the Barnsley Circuit
in 1997 becoming Joint Superintendent
of the Circuit with her husband, the Revd
Leslie Newton, in 2002. In 2006 she
became Superintendent of the Bramhall
Circuit, in the Manchester and Stockport
District, which she led through a merger
with the Wythenshawe Circuit through a
Regrouping for Mission project. As such
she has facilitated a developing and yet real
sense of cohesion between the District’s
wealthiest and poorest circuits. A feature of
Gill’s ministry is managing change.
Gill has experience of District and
connexional ministry. She served as
Synod Secretary in the Sheffield District
(2002/2006) and occasionally acted as
Deputy Chair. This experience ensures a
quick grasp of the needs and opportunities
of the District. It also means that she comes
with a real pastoral concern and affection
for the Sheffield District. Gill has also served
in various District posts in the Manchester
and Stockport District including being a
District representative to the Conference
in 2011 and 2012. She is currently District
representative on the Methodist Council.
Gill’s ministry focuses on mission-shaped
discipleship with an interest in fresh
expressions and deepening spirituality and
community based initiatives. Gill enters fully
into community life outside of the Church in
both the public arena and extra-Methodist
contexts.
Gill is a highly approachable person with
a collaborative approach to leadership
combined with an ability to take the
initiative when necessary. Her pastoral
heart gives her good people skills along
with task focus characterised by an
excellent attention to detail. She is known
for her sensitivity and creativity. She is also
committed to service on the ecumenical
and inter-faith platforms.
The Synod recommends to the Conference
that Gillian Newton be appointed to serve
as Chair of the Sheffield District from 1
September 2014.
Conference Agenda 2013
525